Hornbook

A hornbook is an early educational tool used to teach children basic skills like the alphabet and elementary reading. Traditionally, it consists of a wooden or cardboard board with a transparent overlay made of horn or glass, protecting a printed sheet of lessons. It was commonly used in the 17th and 18th centuries in colonial America and Britain. The hornbook served as a practical, durable resource for early learners, offering a simple way to familiarize children with foundational knowledge before progressing to more advanced studies.